The new all-electric BMW i3 took to the streets of the German capital for the first time in a public role, leading the men’s field at the 2026 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Ethiopia dominated both races, with Tigst Assefa setting a course record of 2:11:04 hours and Guye Adola winning the men’s event in a personal best of 2:02:50. More than 84,000 participants from 162 nations turned out over the weekend, a record for the event.

Germany’s largest marathon gave the second model of BMW’s Neue Klasse its first outing in front of a mass audience. The new BMW i3 — the first all-electric 3 Series — served as the lead vehicle for the men’s race at the 2026 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, with BMW acting as title partner of the event.

BMW describes the car as a technological step into a new era for the 3 Series line. The company says the i3 offers an all-electric range of up to 906 km (563 miles), enough, by its own calculation, to cover every World Marathon Majors event over a two-and-a-half-year period without recharging. BMW notes that the figure is provisional because no binding WLTP values are available yet, and that real-world range depends on load, driving style, route, weather, ancillary consumers, tyres and battery age.

The i3 was not alone. The all-electric BMW iX3, iX, i5 and i4 were also deployed along the route as organisational vehicles.

Ethiopian sweep in both races

For much of the women’s race it looked as though Berlin would produce a seventh world record. Tigst Assefa was still on world-record pace at the 40-kilometre mark before muscle problems set in. The 29-year-old visibly struggled over the closing stretch and lost around a minute and a half, but still crossed the line in a course record of 2:11:04 hours — her third Berlin victory after 2022 and 2023. Bedatu Hirpa (2:16:53) and Dera Dida (2:16:55) followed her home to complete an Ethiopian podium sweep.

The men’s race went the same way. Guye Adola won in a personal best of 2:02:50 hours, clear of compatriot Gemechu Dida Diriba (2:03:19) and Tanzania’s Gabriel Gerald Geay (2:03:59). It was a second Berlin win for the 35-year-old, who also took the title in 2021.

The quickest German finishers were Haftom Welday, 16th in 2:08:25, and Anna Langerwisch, also 16th in her race in a personal best of 2:27:31.

“On behalf of BMW, I would like to warmly congratulate Tigst Assefa and Guye Adola on their impressive victories at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON. Our congratulations also go to all participants on their individual achievements,” said Tim Beltermann, Head of BMW Germany. “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who, once again, has turned the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON into such a diverse international sporting event; the organising team at SCC EVENTS, the 5,700 volunteers and the fans lining the route, whose enthusiasm contributes so much to the atmosphere of this event.”

A record turnout

Across the weekend’s various events, more than 84,000 people from 162 nations took part — both figures are event records. Among them were 350 BMW Group employees from around the world, each completing the full 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The manufacturer draws a parallel with its own workforce, which spans more than 110 nations.

What it means

Using a marathon lead car as a first public showcase is a low-risk way to put a future volume model in front of a large crowd and a heavy media presence, months before customers can order one. For BMW, the timing matters: the i3 is the model that has to carry the Neue Klasse into the brand’s core segment, where it will meet the Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes-Benz CLA and a growing field of Chinese rivals. The headline range claim is the clearest signal yet of how the company intends to compete there, though it remains provisional until homologation is complete.

BMW has not announced pricing or a market launch date for the new i3 in this release.

Facts: BMW i3 (as stated by BMW)

  • Positioning: first all-electric BMW 3 Series, second Neue Klasse model
  • All-electric range: up to 906 km (563 miles), provisional figure
  • WLTP data: no binding values yet available
  • Role in Berlin: lead vehicle, men’s race, 2026 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
  • Price and availability: not stated

BMW gave no indication in the release of when the new i3 will reach showrooms.

Source: www.press.bmwgroup.com